India and Tajikistan have age-old cultural ties, which are getting stronger with the passing time.  Recently, Indian Ambassador to Tajikistan, Mr Rajesh Uike, held a fruitful meeting with Ms Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda, the Minister of Culture of Tajikistan, to discuss ways to deepen cultural cooperation between India and Tajikistan.

The dialogue centered on fostering bilateral ties through cultural, academic, and literary exchanges. Both leaders explored initiatives to promote people-to-people connections, including joint celebrations of music, films, festivals, and other cultural traditions from the two nations.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, they acknowledged the role of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Dushanbe, which has been actively promoting Indian classical music and dance, strengthening cultural bonds between the two countries.

The meeting underscored the shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of India and Tajikistan.

India and Tajikistan share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and linguistic ties, with Indian culture enjoying significant popularity among the Tajik people. Indian films and television serials, dubbed in Russian and Persian, are frequently broadcast on local television channels, reflecting this shared cultural affinity.

To further enhance these connections, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Dushanbe conducts regular courses in Indian music, classical dance forms, yoga, and Hindi language. The initiative has been instrumental in fostering cultural appreciation and exchange.

Responding to the growing interest in Indian languages and yoga, the Embassy of India has established several India Study Corners in major universities and institutions across Tajikistan. These centers have become hubs for cultural and academic engagement.

In a notable effort to strengthen linguistic ties, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) set up a Hindi-Urdu Chair at Tajik National University in January 2019, furthering the study and promotion of Indian languages in the region.

The annual India-Tajikistan Friendship Run, organized by the Indian Embassy, has also become a celebrated event. The third edition of the run, held in November 2024, garnered widespread participation and was supported by the Dushanbe City Administration and the National Committee of Youth and Sports of Tajikistan.

Yoga continues to gain immense popularity in Tajikistan, with the Indian Cultural Centre offering regular classes to enthusiasts. The International Day of Yoga is celebrated with enthusiasm not only by the cultural center but also by private yoga practitioners and centers across cities and towns in the country, highlighting the enduring appeal of India’s ancient practices.
These initiatives underscore the enduring bond between India and Tajikistan, built on a foundation of shared heritage and cultural exchange.

There has been regular exchange of cultural troupes between the two countries. A 20-member Tajik cultural troupe consisting of artists, craftsmen and dancers participated in Surajkund Craft Mela organized by Government of India and Haryana Tourism in February 2019.